Mexican Heartlands

Discover Mexico’s heartland on this immersive trip of history and culture

The history of Mexico is one that spans over three millennia, with a complex system of indigenous civilisations dominating the land for more than 13,000 years prior to Spanish colonisation in the 16th century. Explore a place where history and modern life collide with thrilling results, a place where Aztec temple ruins sit side by side with bustling suburbia in the heart of Mexico City at Templo Mayor and a place where art, music and traditional culture interweave seamlessly. Explore ruins at Teotihuacan and Tzintzuntzan, discover life in a ‘Pueblo Magico’ (Magic Village) as you travel the countryside, taste tequila in Guadalajara and visit cathedrals and historical sites as you explore on this Mexican adventure.

Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Modern meets ancient in Mexico City - one of the world's largest urban centres. Although crowded and smoggy, D.F. (Distrito Federal) offers a great variety of impressive museums, galleries and architecture, along with exciting night life and delicious street food. Head to the Zocalo, the city's huge central square, to see Aztec ruins and colonial architecture or relax in one of the many parks, plazas and gardens.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Enjoy a guided walk taking in some of the most iconic sights of the city, including a visit to the Zocalo in the historic centre of Mexico City, Templo Mayor, the Government Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

The rest of your day is free. If you prefer to get out of the city and escape the crowds, take a trip to the canals and gardens of Xochimilco. In the evening, explore Mexico's exciting night life. Learn some dance moves from the locals, or try out your own to the music of a mariachi band.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Travel out of town by subway and bus for a guided tour of the ancient city of Teotihuacan.

Located 50 kilometres northeast of Mexico City are the 'must-see' archaeological ruins of Teotihuacan - the site of the massive Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon which dominate the skyline. This was once the country's biggest ancient city and capital of the Aztec people, who ruled over the largest empire in the pre-Hispanic era. Guarded by mountains this magnificent city is thought to have been founded early in the 1st century AD and reached its peak around AD 500, when its influence extended down to Guatemala and as far north as present-day Texas. With the help of a local guide we have time to stroll down ‘The Avenue of the Dead’, uncover its many wonders and imagine what life must have been like nearly 2000 years ago.

Accommodation

Meals Included

Sample the famous drink made from the heart of the blue agave plant on a tequila tour. Enjoy the laidback ambience of Guadalajara in the afternoon – perhaps relax in the central plaza and do some people watching.

Accommodation

Meals Included

Return to Mexico City with a stop en route to visit the breathtaking El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Reserve (depending on the season). It's home to millions of these colourful beings from November to March each year.

Transport

Accommodation

Meals

Transport

Accommodation

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Important notes

A single supplement is available on this trip.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Reviews

Don Campey

Fantastic tour, deepened my understanding of Mexico's conquest, it's struggle for independence, the revolution, it's unique muralist art, tequila, fantastic cuisine, and of course, the Monarch migration.
Each city we visited had its own character and unique feel.